Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

209. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the childcare support that students are eligible for who are undertaking FET courses in Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26702/23]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Officials in my Department have contacted the Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB), in relation to this matter.

LCETB has confirmed that there are currently no crèche services available through any of its Further Education and Training (FET) colleges. However, all learners are entitled to apply for the Affordable Childcare Scheme, which is funded by the National Childcare Scheme.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

210. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the distribution of the devolved capital grant; the amount that has been allocated to the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26717/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Since 2021, the Department has disbursed just over €96m in funding for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years under the Devolved Capital Grant to Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and eligible Higher Education Institutions. The Devolved Capital Grant is allocated in accordance with a model based primarily on student numbers, weighted by course type and mode of study.

In April this year I announced €8 million in capital devolved funding for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector and I will be shortly announcing the funding available for the Higher Education Institutions.

The Devolved Capital Grant provides flexible capital funding to ETBs and eligible higher education institutions to support small-scale building works (including health and safety works, access works, refurbishment, energy upgrades etc.) and equipment purchase or renewal, including ICT. It is a matter for individual ETBs and higher education institutions to determine what works are prioritised.

In deployment of the grant, each ETB and higher education institution must ensure value for money, clear prioritisation and demonstrable impact on the capacity to deliver on its strategic goals.

Our third level sector faces significant challenges in responding to climate objectives and these funds will assist with making energy upgrades. It will also ensure our campuses are inclusive and accessible. The funding can be used to make the necessary upgrades to make campuses accessible for people with disabilities.

The 2023 FET Devolved Capital Grant issued to SOLAS in April, for onward distribution to the ETBs, and I can confirm to the Deputy that Cavan and Monaghan ETB were allocated €435,000 for 2023.